SOLUTION: There are four cars entered into a pinewood derby race. In how many different orders can they cross the finish line? a) 10 b) 16 c) 4 d) 24

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Question 354869: There are four cars entered into a pinewood derby race. In how many different orders can they cross the finish line?
a) 10
b) 16
c) 4
d) 24

Found 2 solutions by dlh, zeemajor:
Answer by dlh(17) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
b is the correct answer because each can place in 4 different spots and since there are 4 cars you muliply 4 and 4 together to get 16

Answer by zeemajor(1) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Since this problem is an ordered combination, this is a permutation. To calculate permutations you must take the first order and multiply each order until you reach the last order.

This question is answered by using the factorial formula. Therefore, the answer is 4! or 4*3*2*1 or 24. The correct answer is 24.
For more information See http://www.mathsisfun.com/combinatorics/combinations-permutations.html